Can I convert my detached garage into a rental suite in Surrey?

Yes, you can potentially convert a detached garage into a rental suite in Surrey, but it requires a building permit and must meet specific zoning and building code requirements. This is becoming increasingly popular across Metro Vancouver as homeowners look to add rental income, and Surrey has been actively updating its policies to support more housing options.

Zoning and Eligibility

Surrey's zoning bylaws allow detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) — which includes converted garages — in most single-family residential zones, but eligibility depends on your specific lot and zone. The first step is confirming your property's zoning through Surrey's online map or by calling the Building Division at 604-591-4086. You'll want to verify that your lot size meets the minimum requirements, that setbacks from property lines are satisfied, and that total accessory structure coverage doesn't exceed what's permitted. Many standard Surrey lots qualify, but corner lots and smaller parcels sometimes run into setback issues.

Your converted garage will need to function as a fully self-contained dwelling unit, meaning it must have its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and a separate entrance. Under BCBC 2024, it must also meet minimum ceiling heights (typically 2.1m/6'11" for habitable space), adequate natural light and ventilation, proper egress windows in sleeping areas, and fire separation requirements. If your garage was built with a concrete slab and low ceiling, this is where many conversions get complicated — raising the roof or excavating the slab to gain height adds significant cost.

Permits and Process

You'll need a building permit from the City of Surrey, and depending on the scope of work, potentially separate electrical and plumbing permits as well. Electrical and gas work must be performed by contractors licensed with Technical Safety BC (TSBC) — not something to DIY or hire unlicensed trades for. Surrey's permit timelines for this type of project are generally 6–12 weeks, which is faster than the City of Vancouver. Budget roughly $500–$1,500 in permit fees depending on the declared construction value.

If the conversion involves creating a new dwelling unit, Surrey may also require you to connect to municipal sewer and water services if the garage isn't already serviced — this alone can run $5,000–$15,000+ depending on your lot and proximity to the mains.

Typical Costs in Surrey

A garage-to-suite conversion in Metro Vancouver typically runs:

• Basic conversion (good bones, minimal structural work): $80,000–$120,000
• Mid-range (new electrical, plumbing, insulation, HVAC, finishes): $120,000–$180,000
• Complex (raising roof, slab work, full services hookup): $180,000–$250,000+

Surrey construction costs tend to run slightly below Vancouver proper, but not dramatically so. These figures include trades, materials, and permits but not design fees.

Professional Guidance

This project is firmly in hire-a-pro territory. You'll want a designer or architect familiar with Surrey's zoning bylaws to draw up plans, and licensed contractors for all structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. If the converted unit is considered a new dwelling (which it typically is), the builder should be a Licensed Residential Builder registered with BC Housing, and the unit may need to be covered under 2-5-10 home warranty insurance — confirm this with BC Housing at bchousing.org.

Your next steps: Call Surrey Building at 604-591-4086 or visit surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/building to confirm your zoning, then connect with a local designer and general contractor to assess the garage's existing structure. Browse licensed contractors in our Vancouver Construction Network directory to find Surrey-area professionals experienced with accessory dwelling unit conversions.